Mainstream - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

Hands up who thinks Lloyd Cole hails from the north of the border? I'm pretty sure that Buxton in Derbyshire is firmly on the southern side. He's not the only one who has a case of mistaken nationality. For example David Byrne, one of the icons of the New York New Wave scene is actually from Dumbarton. But perhaps the biggest swindle is by Rod Stewart. Rod, the tartan wearing, Celtic supporting mullet haired crooner is from Highgate in London. About as Scottish as Big Ben. Something that he had gone out of his way to cultivate. You've got to watch 'em these pop stars. They'll manipulate their image to suit their own ends if you let them.

In the case of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions the mistake is easy to make. Sure the singer may prefer Bakewell Tart to Clootie Dumpling but the rest of the band are definitely Scottish and were formed in Glasgow. Although they were only active for less than five years they released three top pop albums. Their final one 'Mainstream' is no exception. It has intelligent lyrics, great musicianship and pop hooks. Standout tracks for me are 'Jennifer She Said' and 'Hey Rusty'. Great songs. It might be an age thing but they don't make 'em like this anymore.

If you've not heard it I recommend you give it a listen sometime, but in the meantime take rock star bios with a pinch of salt - if it emerges that Tom Jones was born in Cleethorpes and not Pontypridd just nod knowingly and say you suspected so.